International Governments submit their greenhouse gas reduction targets to the United Nations

Following Copenhagen countries were requested to report their reduction pledges to to cut and limit greenhouse gases by 2020 to the UN by the end of January.

55 countries responded representing almost 78% of greenhouse gas emissions from energy.

Industrialised countries that have submitted mid-term targets include:

 

  • Australia – 5-25 per cent reduction below 2000 levels. Australia will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent on 2000 levels by 2020 if the world agrees to an ambitious global deal capable of stabilising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at 450 ppm CO2-eq or lower.

 

  • Canada – 17 per cent reduction below 2005 levels.

 

  • Croatia – 5 per cent reduction below 1990 levels.

 

  • EU – 20 per cent below 1990 levels. As part of a global and comprehensive agreement for the period beyond 2012, the EU reiterates its conditional offer to move to a 30 per cent reduction by 2020 compared to 1990 levels, provided that other developed countries commit themselves to comparable emission reductions and that developing countries contribute adequately according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities.

 

  • Japan – 25 per cent reduction below 1990 levels. The target is premised on the establishment of a fair and effective international framework in which all major economies participate and on agreement by those economies on ambitious targets.

 

  • New Zealand – 10-20 per cent reduction below 1990 levels if there is a comprehensive global agreement.

 

  • Norway – 30-40 per cent reduction below 1990 levels.

 

  • US - 17 per cent range below 2005 levels. This depends on the passage of US energy and climate legislation.


Developing countries that have submitted targets as part of nationally appropriate mitigation actions include:

  • Brazil – 36.1-38.9 per cent reduction below business as usual by 2020. This includes 564 million tonnes reduction from a decrease in Amazon deforestation.

 

  • Indonesia – 26 per cent reduction below business as usual by 2020.

 

  • Moldova – 25 per cent reduction below 1990 levels by 2020.

 

  • Singapore – 16 per cent reduction below business as usual by 2020, contingent on a legally binding agreement.

 

  • South Africa – 34 per cent reduction below business as usual by 2020.

 

For the full press release go to:

http://unfccc.int/files/press/news_room/press_releases_and_advisories/application/pdf/pr_accord_100201.pdf